East Stroudsburg native is up for a Grammy

An East Stroudsburg native has been nominated for a Grammy Award, and his parents are super stoked.

CHAD SMITH

An East Stroudsburg native has been nominated for a Grammy Award, and his parents are super stoked.

Dan Omelio, 29, who graduated from East Stroudsburg High School South in 2001, will be up for the top accolade for co-writing Maroon 5's hit song "Payphone."

Omelio, often referred to by his stage name "RoboPop," has also written hits for Adam Lambert and Sean Paul among other artists since breaking into the music biz in earnest in 2011.

Omelio's parents, Peter and Donna, who still live in East Strouds­burg, are excited about the nomination and boarded a flight Friday to Los Angeles to be by their son's side for the Grammy Awards on Sunday night.

"We're all really proud of Dan and what he's accomplished," said Omelio's sister, Dana Giroux. "We're praying that he continues to be blessed musically and that he continues to have the right people around him."

Omelio's musical roots start with his father, who plays jazz. At East Stroudsburg High School, Omelio was in the marching band — he played trumpet — and in choir. He can play several instruments, his sister said.

"He just always had an ear for music; he can pick things up," Giroux said.

After high school, Omelio went to Syracuse University and studied music industry. He eventually connected with Benny Blanco, a well-known record producer who has written and produced songs for Katy Perry and Britney Spears, among other stars, and the two wrote together. ("Payphone" was one of their collaborations.)

Omelio's skills eventually caught the attention of music industry mogul L.A. Reid, CEO of Epic Records. Omelio, who lives in New York City, is now working with Reid to write and produce more songs.

Ahead of the awards Sunday night, Omelio's parents took out an ad in the Pocono Record that encapsulates their feelings toward their son's success.

"Congratulations, Dan! You have shown by perseverance and by following your dreams that success can become a reality."